The IFF received an application from Floorball Thailand to be given permission to not participate in the Women’s WFC 2025, even if they finish amongst the top 3 countries and are qualified. The request was based on the importance for the Thai federation to have the women’s team present in Thailand (as the host country) prior to the start of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. This means that if Thailand finish amongst the top 3 countries at the AOFC Qualification, the 4th placed team will qualify to WFC 2025 in their place.
The IFF President has granted approval of this request, based on the IFF Statutes Art. 37 In cases of extreme urgency, the President may take the decision alone. The full decision is as follows:
The IFF President has approved Thai Floorball’s application to be exempt from qualification for the Women’s WFC 2025 in the Czech Republic, provided they finish among the top three teams in the WFCQ. This decision acknowledges Thailand’s important role as the host nation of the SEA Games 2025, a significant regional multi-sport event for floorball development. As the official SEA Games organiser, Thailand will be granted the option not to participate in the Women’s WFC 2025.
In terms of ranking, if Thailand finishes among the top three teams in the WFCQ 2025, they will be assigned the 17th position for the next Women’s WFC. Otherwise, their ranking will be determined based on their actual placement, according to the normal calculations.
This decision does not impact qualification for The World Games, which is decided through the same tournament.
Background of the decision
The AOFC and IFF have been working together with Thai SEA Games Organising Committee to push back the SEA Games competition dates as further apart as possible. But it now has come to the attention of Thailand as the host nation, they must prioritise the SEA Games at the end of the year. This includes being present in Thailand in the run up of the event. Within SEA Games timing, it means it will clash with WFC 2025 and therefore, Thailand have requested that although being places in Top 3 in the AOFC Qualification, they will not qualify for WFC final round. This does not change the Qualification for The World Games 2025 and in case they are in Top 2, they will qualify for The World Games but not for the WFC 2025.
Over the past decade, initiatives led by Thailand have successfully elevated Floorball to a Category 2 sport within the Southeast Asian Games Charter, reflecting their dedication to its growth. According to the Charter, future hosts are required to prioritise Category 2 events immediately after the mandatory Olympic sports in Category 1, ensuring that Floorball continues to thrive in regional competitions. Thailand is committed in promoting Floorball at the regional level and as the hosts of the upcoming SEA Games, they are provided an opportunity to welcome more people to learn about Floorball while strengthening its position.
